Pet care facility proposed for Rex's in St. Charles

ST. CHARLES – A former restaurant that closed nearly five years ago might reopen as a pet care facility.

City planner Matt O'Rourke said Wednesday that a pet care business is interested in the former Rex's Cork and Fork, 1317 E. Main St., St. Charles. The restaurant closed in March 2009 after 40 years.

O'Rourke did not know the name of the proposed pet business offhand but said the St. Charles location would not be its first location. In addition to overnight boarding, the pet care facility would sell pet products and offer such services as pet grooming and daycare, O'Rourke said.

Zoning issues need to be worked through, he said.

"The zoning ordinance doesn't have a use category that adequately reflects this business model," O'Rourke said.

A public hearing is set for the March 4 Plan Commission meeting, O'Rourke said. He anticipates the proposal will need at least two public hearings, he said.

After the Plan Commission's review, the proposal will go to the Planning and Development Committee and the St. Charles City Council.
O'Rourke said the applicant hasn't indicated it will make external changes to the building, but he expects the structure will undergo internal renovations.